Exercised my 4wd mode today, heard a slight noice for a sec. Problems or normal?

The force required to slip a tire is the same at 5mph as it is at 50mph.
Look, I am not advocating for people to put it in 4HI and leave it on full time during the summer. My whole point is it won't grenade the case if you forget to take it out of 4HI for several miles or if you drive a mile or two down a semi straight highway during the summer.

 

I hear you there. With all the sensors, you gotta find what works. 4Lo is always a challenge. That 2mph threshold is shit. I have to be completely stopped, which sucks sometimes.

But then, I HATED the 7mph threshold on our old convertible top. Makes zero sense when you could be out in heavy wind from any direction.

 

Man. We are just not seeing eye-to-eye and probably splitting hairs, but I went with the matching Ravenol oil for $18. Regardless, it's way better than the dealers that are dumping in

$28 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90.

 

totally agree, no argument. but the forces are not static but dynamic, and are not exactly the same over time and the speed of rotation is different which can act as a multipler. but whatever... my own point is just to complement yours: be aware of the possibility of emergency maneuvers on the highway, especially if you're using 4H.

 

I didn't notice whether or not the 4wd indicator was blinking when I turned the knob at a stop, but it was solid when I did look. So I can put it in 4hi while I am in D and moving?

 

Yes. Preferable really. Should go in faster and easier.

 

It rained today, so I put it into 4hi while driving 35mph. No issues or odd noises whatsoever, and none when I put it back into 2wd.

 

So much comical information here. When in doubt, read the manual. That usually the most conservative info. For being “on the fly” I too have had to put it in reverse sometimes to get it in and out of 4x4

 

So much misinformation in this thread...holy cow Batman

 

lol

 

People keep talking about the transfer case/chain failing...the only thing that you are likely to break if you turn in 4wd on paved ground is the CV axle...it's the weakest link and its weakest link for a reason: they are relatively easy and cheap to replace.

I was in 4hi on an icy road up in the mountains last winter, turned into a covered gas station and forgot to switch out of 4wd and felt it bind up. Didn't think anything of it, left the gas station and re-engaged 4x4 and less than a mile later I heard the "CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK" of a broken CV axle. Slapped on my replacement on the side of the road (was headed to a trail and always carry a spare) and it's been golden ever since.

You'd have to really try hard to break a tcase or grenade a front diff. Your cv axles are what you should worry about if you like to live dangerously and do u-turns and donuts in 4x4 on pavement.

 

This |
...... \/

 

Haha. Those Toyota engineers are smarter than they look. Always smart to know your weak links. How hard are the axles to swap? Might have to pick one up once I get my front locker.